For. 



•"*] 



I 



Manufacturers, ■ 

Inventors, 

and Others. 






Answers to various questions about Patent 
Office practice and t 



Patents. 



u 



BENJ. R. CATLIN, 

I Attorney and Counsellor at Law, 

I WASHINGTON, D. C. 

I 

♦ 

I Patent Practice Exclusively. 

t • 



! 



t Copyright 1896. t 



To Inquirers: 

In view of my very large correspond- 
ence, please accept a copy of this publi- 
cation with marked portions as a respect- 
ful answer in whole or in part to inquiries. 

If you do not wish to preserve jt for 
future reference, please pass it along. 
Send for another if you desire. 



JOHN F SHEIRY PR 623 D ST 



PREFACE. 

For convenience in answering the inquiries 
of correspondents, various suggestions in con- 
densed form and of practical character re- 
specting patent riglits, inventions, applica- 
tions, &c., have been embodied in the follow- 
ing pages. 

Those who have valuable inventions or 
propose to acquire interest in such inventions 
or in patent rights, or who have either to 
prosecute or defend patent suits, should pro- 
ceed intelligently and according to law, and 
thereby avoid danger of loss. It is impos- 
sible to do more within the compass of these 
pages than suggest a few rules and principles 
and a few dangers and necessary precautions. 
This will be understood, and also that in 
patent matters, as in all important business 
involving special knowledge, qualified agents 
or trained experts, worthy of entire confi- 
dence, should be consulted in particular cases. 

PATENTABLE SUBJECTS. 

New and useful improvements in a ma- 
chine, article, or art (process or method), new 
and useful compositions of matter, and new 
and useful ornameutal designs or forms for 
an article of manufacture, and impressions, 
patterns, prints, or pictures to be wrought 
into such article, are patentable. 

LENGTH OF TERM AND COST OF 
PATENTS. 

Inventions in mechanical devices, in pro- 
cesses, and in compositions are patentable for 
a term of seventeen years. The government 



filing fee is $15 and the final fee is $20, or a 
total of $35. The solicitor's fee varies with the 
importance, difficulty, and extent of the case, 
the usual charge in an ordinary case being 
$30, or a total of $65. For every sheet of 
drawing beyond the first it is the general 
practice to add $5 to the usual fee. The 
above terms may be considered acceptable to 
me unless notice is given and a special agree- 
ment is made in advance. 

HOW TO APPLY FOR PATENTS. 

In apiDlying for a patent send me a draw- 
ing, sketch, photograph, model, or specimen 
(one or more as may be most convenient or 
necessary for disclosing the invention) and 
send also a brief description of the part or 
thing that has not been previously known, 
that is, of the new invention or improve- 
ment, stating its object and advantages and 
the defect or objections overcome thereby. 
All that is necessary is to give a clear idea of 
the novel improvement, and anything doing 
this will be sufficient. In some cases of un- 
usual difficulty an experienced draftsman 
will be sent from my office. 

The first government fee ($15) should also 
be sent. All the formal papers, specifications, 
claims, and drawings will be promptly pre- 
pared in legal form and sent (except draw- 
ings) for the inventor's approval and signa- 
ture, at which time the solicitor's fee wall be 
called for (see table of charges, page 22). 

DESIGNS. 

Patents are granted for novel, ornamental 
forms, patterns, designs, impressions, or orna- 
ments x)laced on or wrought into any article 
of manufacture, and will often give protection 



where mechanical patents are not appropriate^. 
Designs for stoves, radiators, carpets and other 
fabrics, household furniture, mantels, domes- 
tie articles, statues and statuettes, and num- 
berless other articles have been patented in 
great numbers. 

Design patents may be obtained for three 
years and six months, for seven years, or for 
fourteen years, as the applicant elects, at a 
total cost of $35, |40, and S45, respectively. 
For an application for a patent for a design, 
send a representation or specimen of the de- 
sign and state the principal feature for which 
protection is desired and remit as above noted. 

ADVICE AS TO PATENTABILITY. 

An opinion as to the probable patentability 
of an invention submitted for consideration, 
and advice how to proceed, will be given with- 
out charge, but 

A PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 

Is ordinarily recommended. This includes 
a search through domestic patents and pub- 
lications, and discloses what has been before 
patented or described in this country in the 
same art and enables the inventor and his 
solicitor to intelligently decide whether it is 
best to prosecute his claim with or without 
further improvement. Copies of prior perti- 
nent patents are furnished, with an opinion as 
to patentability. If the invention is found to 
be wanting in novelty, the expense of an un- 
necessary application is avoided. For such 
search and report, with copies of prior patents, 
$5 is charged. 

FINAL GOVERNMENT FEE. 
After allowatice of an application for patent 
and within six months thereof, the final gov- 



(Jru incut fee of |20 cau l)e paid. Patents will 
be granted about three weeks after the pay- 
ment of this fee. In applications for design 
patents the entire government fee is payable 
in advance. 

PATENTS TO ASSIGNEE. 

If the patent is to issue to an assignee, or 
jointly to the inventor and assignee, an as- 
signment in due form must be filed for record 
not later than the payment of the final gov- 
ernment fee; and in applications for designs, 
not later than the allowance of the application. 

RENEWAL OF FORFEITED APPLICA- 
TION. 

If an applicant fails to pay the final fee 
within the prescribed time (six months from 
mailing of notice of allowance), the patent 
will be withheld, but at any time within tw^o 
years after the date of alloivance., the applica- 
tion may be renewed on pavment of a govern- 
ment fee of 115.00 and a solicitor's fee of $5.00. 

ABANDONED APPLICATION. 

A rejected application which has become 
abandoned by delay constitutes no bar to a 
new application for the same invention, nor 
does public use or sale in this or in any case, 
unless such use or sale occurred two years 
prior to the date of application. 

DISCLAIMER. 

If, after a patent is obtained, it is found 
that the claims cover more than the inventor 
was justly entitled to, such matter may be 
disclaimed by the owner of the patent. Such 
disclaimers are advisable before bringing suit 
on the valid claims. 



TRADE^MARKS 

(Jan be registered by the rightful owner tof 
a term of thirt}^ years at a total cost of $40. 
Such marks consist of arbitrarily chosen 
words, names, marks, or signs. The likeness 
or the autograph of the apphcant can be reg- 
istered. 

In view of the very large and rapidly in- 
creasing number of registered marks a pre- 
liminary examination a:^ to novelty and reg- 
istrability^ is advisable. The fee for such ex- 
amination is $5. 

CAVEAT. 

The sole effect of a caveat is to entitle the 
caveator to notice of an interfering applica- 
tion, should such be filed, and to give him an 
opportunity to file his claim in due form and 
prove priority. 

This benefit, however, is secured jiiore effi- 
ciently by an application, which is not so 
likely, as a caveat, to be overlooked in the 
Patent Office, and is effectual for a longer 
period without additional fees. A caveat is 
only kept alive by annual payments, and the 
cost of a caveat does not diminish the amount 
required for the application when it is subse- 
quently filed, since none of the caveat papers 
nor the fees can be used for the purpose. If 
the invention is not sufficiently matured for 
an application, the caveat specification will 
ordinarily be too vague and general to have 
any value. For these reasons, the filing of a 
caveat is not advisable except under excep- 
tional ckcumstances. 

COPYRIGHTS 

Are applicable to books, maps, charts, engrav- 
ings, photographs, and the like, and models 



or (lesigDs for works of line art. The total 
cost of registry and certificate is from i^6 toSlO. 



General Suggestions 

for Inventors, Manufacturers, 

and others. 

PROPERTY IN INVENTIONS. 

There is this resemblance between j^roperty 
in wild animals and property in new inven- 
tions; if captured and held in possession, they 
belong to the captor, but not if they escai^e. 

An invention to become protected property 
must not be abandoned but must be reduced 
to possession and be secured according to law, 
and this must be done with reasonable prompt- 
ness, in correct form, and with clear discrim- 
ination between the rights of the inventor 
and of other inventors and of the public. An 
inventor sometimes finds, when too late, that 
he has lost a valuable invention, through 
want of due knowledge, care, and diligence. 

PRIOR USE. 

The use or sale of a single practical embod- 
iment of an invention usually defeats the right 
to a patent unless application is made within 
two years. 

A priorpatentor other published description 
of an invention is sufKcient to bar a subse- 
quent inventor's claim, even though the de- 
scribed invention was never put in public use. 

To bar the grant of a patent to another, or 
to invalidate a later patent, it is not necessary 
that a prior patentee should clabn the inven- 
tion. To defeat an application or avoid a 



patent it is sufficient that tlie invention was 
described in a patenter publication before in- 
vention by tlie claimant. 

A patent subsequently granted for that 
which was described in an earlier patent to 
the same inventor^ but not claimed in the 
earlier case, may be invalid. It is important 
to claim every invention shown or described 
in an application, either in that application 
or in a lawful division thereof. 

VALIDITY OF PATENTS AND CLAIMS. 

A patent does not usually cover everything 
described in the specifications, but only a part. 

A patent does not always cover what is spec- 
ified in the claim so as to protect it. One or 
more of the claims may be invalid, and if 
valid they may be valid only under a par- 
ticular and. limited construction of their lan- 
guage. 

claims are necessarily construed with the 
specification,' and are not valid if not properly 
supported by the description. 

A good specification and few claims are pre- 
ferable to a defective description and num- 
erous claims. 

Numerous claims often obscure an inven- 
tion. They have no actual value except as 
they point out the very thing, combination, 
or art which constitutes the improvement 
and distinguishes it from prior inventions. 

It is, however, generally desirable to make 
a claim as broad as practicable and one or 
more of narrower scope, which latter may 
prove valid though it be subsequently dis- 
covered the broad claim is not. 

The value and scope of a claim is not in- 
creased by adding to the number of the ele- 
ments it enumerates, but the contrary. It is 



8 

not necessary that equivalents should be 
mentioned in the claims. 

A patent may be valid and cover a valuable 
improvement and yet be subject to one or 
more prior patents. 

BOTH INFRINGERS. 

Patent was granted to A for a lamp burner 
and another to B for an improvement. Each 
inventor made and sold the same burner, in- 
cluding B's improvement, and each sued the 
other for infringement. The Supreme Court 
of the United States, upon appeal, in each case 
gave judgment against each in favor of the 
other. 

OWNERSHIP OF PATENT RIGHT. 

An assignment conveys exclusive rights 
throughout the entire territory of the United 
States in respect either to the whole interest 
or exclusive rights, except as to those of a joint 
owner. 

A conveyance of a similar interest in the 
patent for less than the whole territory is 
styled 8i grant. 

A license conveys no interest in the patent, 
but gives simply the right to make, use, or 
vend the invention in the whole territory, or 
in any particular part, according to its terms. 

To ascertain the title or ownership to a pat- 
ented invention requires a thorough expert 
investigation of the records of the Patent 
Office. 

A written assignment of a patent right, 
unless recorded at the Patent Office, is not 
good after three months as against a subse- 
quent assignment for a valuable consideration 
without notice. 

An undivided interest, however small, in a 
patent right enables the owner of such frac- 



9 

tioual interest to make, use, and sell the in- 
vention witliout limit, and probably without 
account to other part owners. For many pur- 
poses the ownership of a small fraction of the 
undivided interest would appear to be as 
valuable as the ownership of a larger one. 

WHO MAY OBTAIN PATENT. 

Any person, without respect to age, sex, or 
citizenship, who is an inventor and duly ap- 
plies, may obtain a patent. 

INVENTOR'S INCHOATE RIGHT. 

He who first conceives an invention, or who 
first describes it or embodies it in a drawing or 
in a model must be diligent or he cannot pre- 
vail against a subsequent diligent inventor 
who is the first to perfect the invention and 
get a patent. 

A specification, drawing, petition, and oath, 
all in due form for an apx)lication, if kept in 
the possession of an inventor until another 
has subsequently made the same invention 
and obtained a patent for it, will not necessar- 
ily invalidate such patent to another, nor en- 
title the first inventor to a patent. The person 
earliest to conceive and illustrate, who neg- 
lects to file his application and sleeps upon his 
inchoate rights, may awake to find that a 
later but more diligent inventor has secured 
a valid patent for the invention. 

JOINT AND SOLE INVENTORSHIP. 

Joint inventors are entitled to a joint pat- 
ent, but care must be taken in determining 
whether or not there has been joint invention. 
Neither contribution of money nor the mak- 
ing of mere auxiliary suggestions will entitle 
a person to take the oath as a joint inventor. 



10 

An assignee of an interest in the invelition 
may receive a patent either solely or jointly, 
as assignee, but cannot take the oath of in- 
vention. If an assignment of an undivided 
interest be filed for record not later than the 
date of payment of the final government fee 
with request that patent issue to the assignee 
according to the extent of his interest, the 
patent will so issue. 

MASTER AND WORKMAN. 

As between a workman and his employer, 
both claiming an invention, the presumption 
is in favor of the workman, unless it appears 
that he was specially employed to carry out 
or embody particular ideas communicated by 
the employer. And this is true, although the 
employer's time, materials, and tools were 
used in making the invention. If patent 
issues to the workman, and the invention is 
afterward used in the employer's business, 
he can, under some circumstances, claim a 
constructive license, 

A workman or mechanic who is merely 
employed to embody an invention conceived 
by another is not entitled to a patent, even 
though he makes subsidiary suggestions. 

RE-ISSUE. 

When a patent is inoperative or invalid by 
reason of a defective or insufficient specifica- 
tion or of too broad a claim, a reissue of the 
patent may be asked to correct the same. 

Actual mistakes and errors due to inadver- 
tence may be thus corrected if application is 
promptly made, but not mistakes due to the 
ignorance or neglect of the applicant or his 
solicitor. An inventor's rights, therefore, 
under an original application may be impaired 



11 

beyond remedy by ignorant management be- 
fore its allowance. 

Before application for reissue it is advisable 
to make a preliminary investigation in tlie 
Patent Otfice in relation to the apparent nov- 
elty of the invention at the time the patent 
was granted. For this purpose send a state- 
ment of the defects of the patent and a fee of 
$10. An examination of the official proceed- 
ings prior to the grant will be made and advice 
given. If it is desired to make application 
for reissue, the government fee ($30) should 
be remitted. The necessary documents will 
then be prepared and forwarded for inspection 
and execution, and the agency fee will be 
called for. The case will then be prosecuted 
as are original applications, and upon its al- 
lowance will be passed to issue without fur- 
ther charge. 

DEMONSTRATION. 
If an inventor applies for a patent before he 
makes a w^orking machine or puts his inven- 
tion in practice it will sometimes happen that 
a subsequent practical embodiment of his in- 
vention will vary from his first conception 
and crude models and from his patent. It is, 
therefore, desirable, where practicable, that the 
invention be thoroughly demonstrated before 
application. Many ingenious and valuable 
improvements fail because they are never 
demonstrated. An inventor who cannot him- 
self afford to put an improvement in practice 
can often find others who will advance 
money for the purpose and for securing 
patents in consideration of a part interest. 

AN INTERFERENCE 
Is a judicial proceeding to determine the ques- 
tion of priority between claiuia,nts, 



12 

Whenever an application is made which 
interferes with any pending application, or 
with any unexpired patent, notice is given to 
the applicants, or applicant and patentee, as 
the case may be, and a preliminary interfer- 
ence is declared and a time named to file 
statements under oath, giving the date of: (1) 
the conception of the invention; (2) its illus- 
tration by drawing or model; (3) its disclosure 
toothers; (4) its completion; and (5) the ex- 
tent of its use. In case of an invention made 
abroad the statement is varied. 

Testimony may be taken by each party, 
and the case is heard by the Examiner of In- 
terferences, from whose decision, if adverse, 
an appeal may be taken as in ex -parte cases. 

Inventors are advised to preserve all 
sketches, models, and description of their in- 
ventions and proof of their dates for use as 
evidence if required. 

COSTS 

In an interference suit, as it may be called, 
cannot be ascertained in advance. Much de- 
pends on the expense of taking testimony 
and the prolongation of the trial. My re- 
tainer will be 125 (or more). This, of course, 
does not cover services in taking testimony 
nor arguments at the hearing, or exceptional 
services. 

SPECIFICATION. 

It is important in making an application 
for patent that all papers, and particularly 
the specification, be prepared correctly both 
in form and substance. 

The following are the well-defined parts of 
a proper specification, some of which are posi- 
tively required by statute, and all of wliich 
^re essential to thorough \yorl^j 



13 

Every specification should embrace: (1) a 
preamble; (2) title; (3) statement of the ob- 
ject and nature of the invention; (4) a gen- 
eral description of the drawings; (5) a detailed 
description of the same; and (6) a claim or 
claims. To properly frame a specification 
and set forth what was before unknown and 
clearly and precisely discriminate between 
that which is old and that which is new, so 
that the patent when issued shall cover the 
whole invention in due form and shall fully 
secure the inventor's rights, demands experi- 
ence superadded to a knowledge of the use of 
language, an acquaintance with the law, and 
with the philosophical, mechanical, or chem- 
ical principles involved in the invention, and 
with the state of the art to which it pertains, 
and nothing but loss and disappointment can 
be expected to follow the entrusting of such 
work to those lacking these qualifications. 
And the practice of those patent firms and 
solicitors who are merely skilled in book- 
keeping and advertising, and who emj)loy ap- 
prentices and inexperienced clerks for such 
work, cannot be approved, and anyone having 
an important invention to protect should 
seek the aid of a competent solicitor who can 
give assurance of his personal services in the 
matter. 

ORDER OF OFFICIAL EXAMINATION. 

In the Patent Office there are thirty-four 
divisions, each having a principal examiner 
and numerous assistant examiners, and appli- 
cations are assigned to these divisions accord- 
ing to the nature of their subjects, and they are 
taken up for examination in the order of their 
fllingj in periods varying from aboiit one to 



14 

two or more months, according to the state of 
the work in the respective divisions. 

Examination cannot be hurried by polit- 
ical influence, bribery, or other corrupt means. 

Those shysters promising to obtain patents 
sooner than others by such means, or by other 
alleged advantages, are unworthy of confi- 
dence. In this connection we quote from Eule 
17 of the Patent Office : 

" As the value of patents depends largely upon the 
careful preparation of the specification and claims, 
the assistance of competent counsel will in most ca.ses 
be of advantage to the applicant; but the value of 
their services will be proportional to their skill and 
honesty, and too much care cannot be exercised in 
their selection. The oflJice cannot assume responsibil- 
ity for the act of attorneys, nor can it assist applicants 
in making selections. It, will, however, be unsafe to 
trust those who pretend to the possession of any facil- 
ities except capacity and diligence for procuring pat- 
ents in a shorter tiine or with broader claims than 
others." 

REJECTED APPLICATIONS. 
Few applications are allowed without being 
rejected one or more times, and the chief labor 
of the solicitor often occurs after the aioplica- 
tion has been filed. A large majority of ap- 
plications are rejected several times for reasons 
more or less substantial. 

GROUNDS OF REJECTION. 

The objections made to applications by the 
Commissioner of Patents under the advice 
of the examiners are very numerous, some 
of them being of a character not readily un- 
derstood except by the expert. They, how- 
ever, fall mostly under the following heads : 
(1) want of proper-subject matter In the ap- 
plication; (2) want of novelty, utility, or im- 
portance in the invention; (3) duplicity of in- 
vention; (4) want of fullness^ clearitess, ov 



15 

l)roper method in the specification or in the 
drawing; (5) want of clearness, definiteness, 
or proper form of claims; (6) want of harmony 
between the several parts of the application. 

PROSECUTION OF APPLICATIONS. 

The reasons assigned in rejecting an appli- 
cation must be considered by the applicant 
(or his agent), who should convince the Patent 
Office officials of the insufficiency of the rea- 
sons of rejections, or amend his application. 
This ordinarily involves several communica- 
tions between the applicant and the office, and 
as the office examines every case in its turn, 
and it is often many days or weeks before re- 
sponse is made to an applicant's communica- 
tion, it will be understood that the examina- 
tion consumes time, which may in some cases 
be much prolonged. It can, however, be 
shortened if the inventor or his agent does 
not care what kind of a patent he secures, 
and will accept narrow claims. 

The following is an extract from a report of 
the Commissioner of Patents to Congress : 

"Honest and skilful solicitors, with a thorough 
knowledge of the practice of the office and of patent 
law,, and who are able and willing to advise their 
clients as to the exact value of the patents which the.y 
can obtain for them may be of much service to in- 
ventors. There are many such, but those who care 
for nothing but to give them something called a pat- 
ent that they may secure their own fee have in too 
many instances proved a curse. Between such men 
and the office the strife is constant. This tendencj" is 
aggravated by those who solicit patents upon contin- 
gent fees, or who, without special training or qualifi- 
cations, adopt this business as an incident to a claim 
agency. " Such men are often more desirous of obtain- 
ing a patent of any kind and by any means, than they 
are of obtaining one which shall be of any value to 
their clients." 

A well known judge (Greer) has said: 



16 

'SSonietinH's wv have liad to ulniost stretch oUr coh« 
sciences to help through a good invention againsta bad 
description drawn l)ysome bloclihead, Tlie difficulty 
has been that the meclianics did not understand law, 
and the lawyers did not understand mechanics." 

The courts are less disposed than formerly 
to help out a badly drawn specification and 
claim, and thorough work is essential to their 
favor. 

*' The growth of the patent system in the last quar- 
ter of a century in this country has reached a stage in 
its progress where the variety and magnitude of the 
Interests involved re(iuire accuracy, precision, and 
care in the PREPARATION of all the papei's on which 
the patent is founded.'" 

Merrill vs. Yeomans, U. S. Hup. Ct., 97 U. S., 568-574. 

The w ork of prosecuting an application so 
as to avoid the numerous objections and criti- 
cisms that are made under several heads 
above recited without sacrificing an appli- 
cant's rights, requires as much experience, 
skill, and knowledge, both of patent law and 
of the particular art, as the original prepara- 
tion of the specifications and drawings. 

COPIES. 

If copies of all the papers, drawings, patents 
cited in rejection, and official correspondence 
are desired , a deposit of $3 to $5 should be made. 

Printed copies of patent specifications and 
drawings will be furnished for 15 cents each, 
or if a large number is desired, for 10 cents 
each, and a small additional charge to cover 
clerical service in ordering and comparing, 
postage, etc. 

REJECTED APPLICATIONS 

Having merit, originally prepared and filed 
by others, will be amended and prosecuted 
for a charge of ?15 or more, according to the 
circumstances of the case. If desired, in such 



cases, a part of the solicitor's fee, if it be nior^ 
than above named, will be made contingent 
upon success. 

APPEALS. 

In an application finally rejected by the 
primary examiner (without satisfactory rea- 
son), an appeal may be taken to an Appeal 
Board, consisting of tliree examiners-in-chief, 
on payment of |10, government fee. 

From an adverse decision of the Board, ap- 
peal lies to the Commissioner of Patents, on 
payment of a government fee of §20, and from 
the Commissioner to the Court of Appeals of 
the District of Columbia on filing a docket 
fee of $10. Printed copies of the record and of 
briefs must be filed in the court. The attor- 
ney's fees necessarily vary with the circum- 
stances of the case. 

EXPERT EXAMINATIONS. 

Correct answ^ers to one or more of the fol- 
lowing questions are often important to those 
interested in patent rights : 

1. Is the unauthorized use of a particular in- 
vention, such, for example, as is described in 
a given patent, an infringment of another 
patent named? 

An answer to this question cannot always 
be drawn from a simple comparison of tlie sup- 
posed infringing matter w ith that claimed in 
the patent. The scope and eflfect of the latter 
may be variously affected by prior patents and 
by the state of the art. It may stand in such 
relations that its validity can be sustained 
only by the narrowest construction of its 
claims, or, on the other hand, there may be 
nothing in the prior state of the art to defeat 
a broad construction. 

2. Is the unauthorized use of a particular 
invention an infringment of any patent? 



18 

This question involves the inquiry whether 
any unexpired patent claims the invention 
and, if so, whether the prior claim is valid, 
and further, whether the particular invention 
can be practically used without the use of 
other connected matters covered by valid 
patents. 

3. Is a particular patent valid'Jn respect to 
one or more of its claims ? 

Strictly, an answer to this requires an ex- 
amination of all prior patents and publica- 
tions, domestic and foreign, relating to the 
subject of the particular patent or invention. 

4. Is a particular invention patentable? 
Correspondents will do well to discriminate 

betw^een the above subjects of inquiry, as the 
second or third involve much more labor 
than either the first or fourth. 

FOREIGN PATENTS. 

A prior foreign patent to the same inventor 
may materially abridge the term of his do- 
mestic patent, as the latter expires with the 
term of the foreign patent, and if there be 
more than one, with that which has the 
shortest term. For this reason, and for the 
further reason, that a prior United States pat- 
ent frequently invalidates a subsequent for- 
eign patent in several most important coun- 
tries, applications for patents in such countries 
should be filed in the foreign offices on the 
day that the United States patent is granted. 

For this reason foreign applications should 
preferably be prepared and sent abroad not 
later than about the time of paying the final 
government fee in this country. 

The first costs of foreign patents vary from 
$40 to §75 or more, according to the country 
and the extent of the case. The poorer the 



19 

couDtry the higher are the government fees 
usually. 

Many foreign countries imj^ose an annual 
tax upon patents, and a few require that the 
invention be manufactured in the country 
within a specified time. 

Registry of trade-marks can be secured in 
foreign countries. 

SALE OF PATENTS. 

Assignments, grants, and licenses are pre- 
pared and the government fee for recording 
paid on receipt of from §3 to $5, and the 
names of parties and other necessary infor- 
mation being furnished. 

We do not sell patents or inventions. 

Washington is the producer of i3atents but 
is not a favorable field for exploiting them or 
promoting the introduction of inventions. 
My experience agrees with that of all repu- 
table solicitors here and elsewhere, and does 
not favor the combination of patent soliciting 
and patent brokerage. I have, however, in 
some cases purchased patents for others. 

STATE LEGISLATION. 

The patentee has exclusive right to make, 
use, and sell his invention during seventeen 
years, or the term of the paten t.^ He can sell 
either of these rights or license a'ny person to 
exercise them in any part or in the whole of 
the United States territory. States have no 
right to limit, hinder, or burden these rights 
by any special tax or requirement of any kind. 
Patented machines, articles, etc., are subject 
to the same liabilities as those not patented, 
but no hostile discriminc\tion is permitted by 
the Co^istitqtion. * 



20 

WHAT TO INVENT. 

Practical inventors will give attention to 
things which they use in their business with 
a view^ to save labor, cheapen manufacture, or 
improve products. Such as are able to make 
and use valuable improvements in their es- 
tablished business reap a sure profit. 

Professional men and others not employed 
in the arts make inventions in things that 
they observe and study. And the inventions 
of such are often the most striking and valu- 
able because they are often less likely to travel 
in beaten tracks than those whose minds are 
bound to the old ways by practice and habit 
in a particular art. 

The practical manufacturer has the advan- 
tage that he knows better what has been 
done and what he needs in his particular 
field. His knowledge of that is more exact. 
The inventor at large, so to speak, ranges over 
a wider field and is less bound by traditional 
ideas. There is abundant room for both. 

NO END OF INVENTION. 

Wide fields of invention lie unexplored, 
and inventions will never cease. When coal 
veins and gold mines have all been discov- 
ered and dug to the bottom, the field of 
human invention and discovery will remain 
as exhaustless as ever. The energy of the sun, 
the force of the tides and winds and streams, 
and the powers of agents not now fully un- 
derstood, are to be utilized to an extent be- 
yond present conception. New substances, 
new compounds, new articles, new machines, 
new arts, and new designs, infinite in aggre- 
gate number, are yet to be discov(^red tuic} 
niade qsefi]], 



21 

IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMON THINGS. 

If to-day you imagine that ordinary things 
have all been perfected, to-morrow you will 
see some ingenious, rapidly-selling invention, 
some popular toy, or some simple but valu- 
able novelty, and will be asking yourself 
*'why did I not think of that?'' 

ADDRESS. 

Benj. R. Catlin, Washington, D. C. Cor- 
respondence with inventors, manufacturers, 
attorneys at law, solicitors, and others invited. 

A VISIT TO WASHINGTON 
Is not necessary if the business to be done 
can be clearly stated in writing, with the 
help of drawings, models, photographs, copies 
of prior patents — one, two, or more of these, as 
found convenient or necessary. If, however, 
a personal interview seems necessary, or if a 
trip here is desirable on other accounts, cor- 
respondents and others will be cheerfully wel- 
comed at our office. 

PERSONAL. 

The author has lived at the Capital over 
twenty-fiveyears, including a service of twelve 
years as a principal examiner of the Patent 
Office, engaged solely in business pertaining 
to patents. Any communication addressed to 
him Washington, D. C, will be promptly de- 
livered without a more particular address, as 
he is well known. Your friends or acquaint- 
ances in this city would make a favorable re- 
port upon inquiry. Note also at the end of 
this book the names of persons and firms 
whom I have served ; you can refer to any of 
them if you wish. 

Your attention is called to these facts because 
of the large nymber of dishonest or incQmpe^ 



22 

tent persons who are publishing lying boasts 
and promises. Valuable iiaventions and im- 
portant business should be kept out of the 
hands of those who offer to work for nothing, 
or for half pay, or who otfer prizes, or profess 
to have a *'pull,'^ or hint that they can get 
patents quickly because they are right oppo- 
site the Patent Office, or who boast of wonder- 
ful sales and promise large and immediate re- 
turns. I do not compete in such humbug. 
A fair price for good work will be charged 
and business only asked of those who have 
something worth protecting and wish com- 
petent service at a just rate. 

WRITE IF IN DOUBT. 
Further and more particular information 
as to details will be freely given in suitable 
cases. For legal opinions involving careful 
investigation and consideration, and for other 
special services, a reasonable charge will be 
made, as may be agreed upon. In inquiries 
about particular patents they should be iden- 
tified by subject, number, date, and name, or 
by as many of these particulars as praticable. 

SCHEDULE OF FEES. 



For a Patent (First Fee, $15; Fi- 
nal Fee, :$20) 

For a Caveat 

For a Reissue 

For a Design for S% years 

For a Design for 7 years 

For a Design for 14 years 

For a Trade-Mark 

For a Copyright 

Appeal to the Board 

Appeal to the Commissioner... 

Assignments-Government and 
Attorney's fees in fnll n 

Interlocutory Appeals to tlie 
Coiiamissioner , 10 



Gov't 


Atty's. 


T^kfo 


Fees. 


Fees. 




135 


^30 


^Qo 


10 


15 


25 


30 


50 


80 


10 


25 


85 


15 


25 


40 


80 


25 


DO 


25 


15 


40 
10 


10 


25 


85 


20 


30 


50 



2^ 

The governmeut fees <^iveii ia the above 
schedule are payable in advance, except the 
final fee of S20, which is payable at any time 
within six months after allowance of the ap- 
plication and before grant of patent. 

The attorney's fees are payable in advance, 
except by special agreement. The prices 
given refer to ordinary cases, but not to those 
of more than usual extent or difficulty. 



Extracts from Letters of Officers with whom I 
Served in the Patent Office. 

^' U. S. Patent Office, 
"Washington, D. C, April d, 1886. 
*'Mr. Benjamin R. Catlin. 

" Dear Sm : I have your letter of last Sat- 
urday transmitting your resignation as a prin- 
cipal examiner in this office. 

*' I sincerely regret that you feel impelled to 
leave us. Your fidelity, integrity, and com- 
petency have never been questioned, but your 
services, good work, and faithfulness have 
many times been spoken of and commended 
to me. 

''Very truly yours, 
"(Signed) M. V. Montgomery, 

" Commissioner of Patents,^ ^ 



"House of Representatives, U. S., 
"Washington, D. C, Dec. 16, 1885. 
"B. Pv. Catlin, Esq., 
"Patent Office, Washington, D. C. 
"Dear Sir: I am informed that you are 
about to resign your position of principal ex- 
aminer to engage in the practice. 



24 

'^1 have great pleasure iu testifyiug to youl* 
thorough knowledge of the duties that will 
devolve upon you as a solicitor. 

''Your accurate learning and large experi- 
ence as an examiner wall enable you to ren- 
der the highest order of service to your clients. 
Refer to me if you desire. 
*' Truly yours, 
''(Signed) Bex.t. Butter worth, 

^'^ Late Commissioner of Patents,^ ^ 



"Washington, D. C, April 2^, 1889. 
"Dear Sir : 

•5f ^ -sf v:- * -^ ■S't 

" Mr. Catlin was for manj^ years a principal 
examiner in the Patent Office, which position 
he voluntarily resigned to go into business a 
few years since. I have known him both per- 
sonally and by reputation and can vouch for 
his thorough qualifications and integrity, and 
heartily recommend him to your confidence. 
"Yours truly, 
" (Signed) Schuyler Duryee, 

" Ex-Chief Clerk of the 
" U, S\ Patent Office,'' 



Below the Names of a Part of my Clients are 
Given. 

Williams, P. E Dadeville, A.la. 

Braiinen, D. J.,M. D Flagstaff, Ariz. 

Smith, J. H Little Rock, Ark. 

Judson, Albert H Los Angeles, Cal. 

Pratt, Geo. A Brownsville, Cal. 

Bierer, H Paso Rabies, Cal. 

Coleman, M. S Canon City, Colo. 

Coston & Broadhead Darango, Colo. 

Keller, A ~ Durango, Colo- 
Old, W. W. & R. H Denver, Colo. 

Robinson, A. H Buena Vista, Colo. 

Woodruff, C. B Alma, Colo. 

Blankman, J. S Washington, D. C. 

Charles, L. N Washington, D. C. 

Cook, Paul Washington, D. C. 

Emmons, Geo. E Washington, D. C. 

Friez, Ju^lien Washington, D. C. 

Gay, Elijah Washington, D. C. 

Judson, Chas. K Washington, D. C. 

Marvin, C. F Washington, D. C. 

Pitnev, Albert E Washington, D. C. 

Prall, Wm. E Washington, D. C. 

Riley, Martin Washington, D. C. 

Tyson, Bryan Washington, D. C. 

Vaughn, Jas Laurel, Del. 

Pearce, J. Y DeLong, Fla. 

Cass, W. B Atlanta, Ga. 

Eskew, John B Atlanta, Ga. 

Greene, Gilbert Toccoa, Ga. 

Greene, J. E Toccoa, Ga. 

King, H. O Atlanta, Ga. 

L^nderwood, H. C Atlanta, Ga. 

Adams, Don. B Chicago, 111. 

Band, H. F Chicago, III. 

Bennett, Thos Chicago, 111. 

Denny, S. L Rockford, 111. 

Early. Albert Rockford, III. 

East Rockford Mantel Co Rockford, 111. 

Given, Joshua Elgin, III. 

Gooding, E. F Elgin, 111. 

Hunter, Geo. E Elgin, 111. 

Jernberg, Gus Rockford, 111. 

Jerome, A. W Parton, 111. 



26 

Lind, Gus Rockford, Til. 

Litzelle, John C Rockford, III. 

Leighty, J. R Chicago, III. 

Miller, Freeman Canton, 111. 

Nelson, Frank Rockford, 111. 

National Gas & Water Co Chicago, 111. 

Palmer, E. V Paxton, 111. 

Scovil, Geo. W Elgin, 111. 

Harris, F.M New Albanj% Ind. 

Kirkham, J. J Terre Haute, Ind. 

Kellogg, H. J South Bend, Ind. 

Schluer, Wm Terre Haute, Ind. 

AVhitmore, C. S South Bend, Ind. 

Weinhardt, A. J Terra Haute, Ind. 

Austin, John Burlington, la. 

Campbell, E. F Tabor, la. 

Grush & Sooy, Defiance, la. 

Kastner, John A Defiance, la. 

Obst, J. J Burlington, la. 

Smith, J. J Arcadia, Kas. 

Allison, S. B New Orleans, La. 

Adams, Charles B New Orleans, La. 

American Fiber Co. New Orleans, La. 

Boland & Gschw^ind New Orleans, La. 

Bailey, J. K New Orleans, La. 

Dupins Ref. & Manf. Co NewOrleans, La. 

Gschwind, Ed New Orleans, La. 

Huguet, A. H Baton, Rouge, La. 

Jacquet, Edmund NewOrleans, La. 

Kopfer,\V. P Amite City, La. 

May, Augustus New Orleans, La. 

Perseverance Fiber Co NewOrleans, La. 

Fresh, Henry Frostburg, Md. 

Gekeler, A. G Frostburg, Md. 

McMullen, H. A Mt. Savage, Md. 

Reck, Martha Union Bridge, Md. 

Weeks, T. C Baltimore, Md. 

American Sulphite Pulp Co , Boston, Mass. 

Norton, Joshua, Jr Boston, Mass. 

Pease, Frank Fall River, Mass. 

Reynolds, A. J Worcester, Mass. 

Smith, (L J Boston, Mass. 

DeWitt, M. J Sprague Falls, Me. 

Forman, F. M Gladstone, Mich. 

Goodale, Geo. P Detroit, Mich. 

Howe, Chas. A Buchanan, Mich. 

Miller, F.J Buchanan, Mich. 

Shedd, W. F Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dow, J. D St. Paul, Minn. 

Brooks, Thos. E Macon, Miss. 

Hern, S. L West Point, Miss. 

Holt, Jos. W Macon, Miss. 



. 2? 

Meard, J. A New Albany, Mist;. 

HoodJ. T Sparta, Miss. 

Price, Alex Calo, Miss. 

Smallwood, W. T New Albany, Mis^. 

West, J. M Carey, Miss. 

Wade, C. Asa Shaw, Miss. 

Dawse, Wni Marshall, Mo. 

Grimes, Philip B Glenwood, Mo. 

Rector, A. F .Marshall, Mo. 

Austin, Jos. A Pawnee City, Neb. 

Bell, E. W Pawnee City, Neb. 

Bond, S. G Bethany, Neb. 

FJick, AV. E Bethany, Neb. 

Spring, G, L Pawnee City, Neb. 

Stevens, Jas. N Pawnee City, Neb. 

Wright, G. W Table Rock, Neb. 

Ball, Albert ..Claremont, N. H. 

Diederich, Chas. W Concord, N. H. 

Fisher, E. C Claremont, N. H. 

Graham, A Claremont, N. H. 

Holmes, L. W Keene, N. H. 

Le Febre, Francis K Claremont, N. H. 

Pierce, A. J Claremont, N. H. 

Rice, C. B Claremont, N. H. 

Spofford, Marcellus E Keene, N. H. 

Walcott, H. S West Swansey, N. H. 

Conover, Alfred Absecon, N. J. 

Haesaert & Buj^sse Jersey City, N. J. 

Lippincott, Wm. H Woodstown, N. J. 

Ainsworth, Thos Albuquerque, N. M. 

Brown, P. J Albuquerque, N. M. 

Fish, J. W Albuquerque, N. M. 

Sykes, Saml Albuquerque, N. M. 

Alverson, C. J Brighton, X. Y. 

Averson, J. W Brighton, N. Y. 

Angemine, G. O Waterloo, N. Y. 

American Counter Check Book Co Buffalo, N. Y. 

Atwell, A. J Rochester, N. Y. 

Airt, Chas. L Rochester, N. Y. 

Benjamin, Geo. V Ithaca, N. Y. 

Barber, A. J Sodus, N. Y. 

Butler, Maguler Rochester, N. Y. 

Buchanan, J. M Rochester, N. Y. 

Bayaud, Geo.H New York, N. Y. 

Brown, E. C. & Co... Rochester, N. Y. 

Coughlan, J. J New York, N. Y. 

Clark, Mary E Corning, N. Y. 

Class, F. M Xew York, X. Y. 

Clement, Frank H. Co Rochester, N. Y, 

Drake, H. R New^ark, N. Y. 

Dempsey,D. E Geneva, N. Y. 

Eisman, Adam Rochester, N. Y. 



2^ 

^>ri'ar, .tohii New York, N. V. 

(leo. Kioto's Sons Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Fay, Stephen C Rochester, N. Y. 

Guilford, Nathan New York, N. Y. 

Gibbs, Van R Rochester, N. Y. 

Hennessy, W. J.. Palmyra, N. Y. 

Ham, C. T., Manufacturing Co Rochester, N, Y* 

Heckel, John , ...Rochester, N. Y. 

Hopkins, J. L New York, N. Y^ 

Kingsland, J. S Flatbush, N. Y. 

Kneeland, Geo. N Rochester, N. Y. 

Lauroline Medicine Co New York, N. Y. 

Lane, Levi E ; Lyons, N. Y. 

Loomis, Reuben Batavia, N. Y, 

Leventritt, David.. New Y'^ork, N. Y". 

Melotte, Geo. W.» Iihaca, N. Y. 

McNett, A Sodus Point, N. Y^. 

McGowan, J. J Ithaca, N. Y. 

Morgan, A. W Rochester, N. Y. 

Miiller, E. B., c^ Co New York, N. Y. 

Mac LelJan, D. M New York, N. Y. 

Mac Lellan, H. W New York, N. Y. 

Neher, Chas. R Rochester, N. Y. 

Nevins, S. T Ithaca, N. Y'. 

Ritz, Geo. A Rochester, N. Y. 

Ross, Alex Rochester, N. Y. 

Ross, Wm Rochester, N. Y^. 

Ritter Dental Chair Mfg. Co Rochester, N. Y. 

Reed, Mfg. Co Newark, N. Y. 

Sanitary Soap Vase Co Rochester, N. Y. 

Stuart, H. C New York, N. Y. 

Stockbridge, Henry D Medina, N. Y^. 

Thayer, E. B Palmyra, N. Y. 

Tilton. A. A Queens, Y. N. 

Trumbull, Frank H Palmyra, N. Y". 

Sage, C. A Ithaca, N. Y. 

Stowell, H.F Rochester, N. Y\ 

Smith, Charity Ithaca, N. Y. 

Schmitt, H. G Hendy Creek, N. Y\ 

Stanton, J. H Newburg, N. Y'. 

Sprague, A. V. M New Y'ork, N. Y". 

Stone, L. M Rochester, N. Y. 

Wyncoop, M. T Utica, N. Y^. 

White, Eli Sodus, N. Y. 

Wilcklow, Wm Rochester, N. Y. 

Whittleton, E. J Sodus, N. Y^ 

Bispham, F. M Waynesville, O. 

Crary, L. H Cleveland, O. 

Fowler, S. W Delaware, O. 

Hessong, Jas Chillicothe, O. 

Moses, F. D Jonesville, O. 

Ralph, S. W Cortland, O. 



20 

Koot, W. J = Oiiiclunati, ih 

J^ourne, Edw xlllegheny, Pa. 

Cooper, John M Bellevue, Pa. 

Clifford, W. J Pittsburg, Pa. 

Cato, F. C Bradford, Pa. 

Dieffenderfer, W. M Kelly Cross Roads, Pa. 

Emery, L., Jr Bradford, Pa. 

Finn, Jos. A Glenfield, Pa. 

Geary, Jas Bradford, Pa. 

Greenwald, J. C = Bradford, Pa. 

Gordon, Fred. E Allegheny, Pa. 

Hewitt, J. F Allegheny, Pa. 

Kurtz, John A Allegheny, Pa, 

McGinnis, A. J Pittsburg, Pa. 

Miller, Jas Allegheny, Pa. 

Morrell, Jas. A Lansdale, Pa. 

Old, Jas Pittsburg, Pa. 

Oxford Caramel Co Oxford, Pa. 

Parker, W. F. & Co Oxford, Pa. 

Robertshaw, F. W Bellevue, Pa. 

Stout, J. V Easton, Pa. 

Schulte, R. W Glenfleld, Pa. 

Young, H. M Charleroi, Pa. 

Robertson, D Coral, 8. D. 

AVendell, Care Groton, S. D. 

McAllister, C. A Memphis, Tenn. 

Carriger, J. H Knoxville, Tenn. 

Anderson, R. C Dallas, Tex. 

Bretherton, M. J Fort Worth, Tex. 

Blaffer, E Houston, Tex. 

Cross, S. T Marshal], Tex. 

Coffin, Walter E Marshall, Tex. 

Dawes, W^m Marshall, Tex. 

Engelking, Peter Lexington, Tex. 

Godsey, W. J Cleburne, Tex. 

Harrold, Mahlon Fort Worth, Tex. 

Herold, Chas Fort Worth, Tex. 

Jordan, J. T Dallas, Tex. 

Lew-right, J. B Fort Worth, Tex. 

Little, Frank MarshaU, Tex. 

Robinson, Jas. R Fort Worth, Tex. 

Silliman, C. H Fort Worth, Tex. 

EUerback, F. R Salt Lake City, Utah 

Lewis, F. W Salt Lake City, Utah 

Hoffman, Wm Salt Lake City, Utah 

Ashworth, Joel T Richmond, Va. 

Burr, D. J Richmond, Va. 

Cowan, S. G Richmond, Va. 

Hazen, Chas. M Bon Air, Va. 

Hutchinson, Hugh B Aldie, Va. 

Lightfoot, L. H Richmond, Va. 

McPhail, C. C Richmond, Va. 



30 

tloKH, ,loH. C4 Ricliirloud, Va. 

Shelton, W. IM Allee Station, Va. 

Tyler, Wm. E Aldie, Va. 

Whybrew, S Richmond, Va. 

Corser, B. W St. Albans, Vt. 

Grout, D. F Montpelier, Vt. 

Woodbury, C. A .Rutland. Vt. 

Therein, Hw N Seattle, Wash. 

Horgan, Christopher West Superior, Wis. 

Pitcher, H. A Millsville, Wis. 

Doyle, R. J Owen Sound, Ont., Can. 

Lent, W. F. W Elmdale, Ont., Can. 

Laidlaw, R. J Hamilton, Ont., Can. 



INDEX, 



Preface 1 

Patentable Subjects 1 

Length of Term and Cost of Patents 1 

How to Apply for Patents , 2 

Designs 2 

Advice as to Patentability 3 

A Preliminary Examination 3 

Final Government Fee 3 

Patents to Assignee 4 

Renewal of Forfeited Application 4 

Abandoned Application 4 

Disclaimer 4 

Trade-marks 5 

Caveat 5 

Copyrights 5 

General Suggestions for Inventors, Man- 
ufacturers, and Others 6 

Property in Inventions 6 

Prior Use 6 

Validity of Patents and Claims 7 

Both Infringers 8 

Ownership of Patent Right 8 

Who may obtain Patent 9 

Inventor's Inchoate Right 9 

Joint and Sole Inventorship 9 

Master and Workman 10 

Re-issue 10 

Demonstration 11 

An Interference 11 

Costs 12 

Specification 12 

Order of Official Examination 13 



Rejected Applications 14, 16 

Grounds of Rejection 14 

Prosecution of Ai^plications 15 

Copies 16 

Appeals 17 

Expert Exanainations 17 

Foreign Patents 18 

Sale of Patents 19 

State Legislation 19 

What to Invent 20 

No end of Invention 20 

Improvements in Common Things 21 

Address 21 

A Visit to Washington 21 

Personal 21 

Write if in Doubt 22 

Schedule of Fees 22 

Extracts from Letters of Officers with 

whom I served in the Patent Office 23 

Names of some of my Clients 25 



The business of manufacturers and man- 
ufacturing companies especially solicited. 

Let your patent solicitor or counsel be 
v/ell known and of good repute. 

Prefer a suitable agent who will do the 
work himself and not by an apprentice. 

If you desire legal services or profes- 
sional work avoid promises of prizes, 
gratuitous labor, big profits, and other 
like shams. 

If aa invention is worth patenting it is 
worth thorough work. 

Before applying for a patent be reason- 
ably sure that it is patentable and see for 
yourself copies of prior pertinent patents 
if there are such. 

Before patenting an invention consider 
what you can do with it. 

Before buying a patent ascertain 
whether it is valid, how much it covers, 
and who owns it. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



Patent Prac 



019 973 267 



B 

V 



Personal Service in all 



REFERENCES. 

Gen. Ellis Spear, Ex-Commissioner of 
Washington, D. C. 

Gen. H. E Paine^ Ex-Commissioner of Patents, 
Washington, D. C. 

Gen. Benj. F. Butterworth, Ex-Commissioner of i 
Patents, Washington, D. C. 

Hon. E. M. Marble, Ex-Commissioner of Patents, 
New York, N. Y. 

Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, Senator from Connecticut, 
Washington, D. C. 

Hon. Henry W. Blair, Ex-Senator from New 
Hampshire, Washington, D. C. 

Hon. S. M. Stockslager, Ex-United States Repre- 
sentative, Washington, D. C. 

Rev. F. D. Power, Ex-Chaplain House of Represent; i| 
tatives, Washington, D. C. '^"^ 

Rev. S. M. Newman,. Washington, D. C. 

Hon. James Coleman, Washington, D. C. 

Hon. J. D. McChesney, Disbursing Clerk, Geolog- 
ical Survey, Washington, D. C. 

Hon. B. H. Warner, Washington, D. C. 

Hon. E. Southard Parker, President Columbia Na- 
tional Bank, Washington, D; C. ' 

Hon. John O. Johnson, President Ohio National 
Bank, Washington, D. C. 

Gen. Geo. W. Balloch, late Disbursing Officer of 
U. S. Treasury Department, Washington, D. C. 

Hon. George M. Lockwood, Ex-Chief Clerk of the 
hiterior Department. 

Hon. Geo. E. Emmons, Washington, D. C. 

Hon. H. A. Hall, Washington, D. 'C. 



See inside for partial list of companies, firms, and 
persons for whom patent work has been done by me. 



